Volunteer stories

Glasgow’s warm welcome at the 2014 Commonwealth Games came from 12,300 proud Clydesider volunteers. Michael was a Clydesider in 2014. The opportunity and support he has received from Glasgow Life have made a massive impact on his volunteering journey.

How did you get started in volunteering?

After my accident 40 years ago, Sport was my uplift. I wouldn’t say no, I’d get involved in anything - Archery, Shot Put and represented the British team. I was in Scotstoun and someone asked if I could show the kids how to use the wheelchairs. Their reaction motivated me as they could identify with someone like them.

What is your favourite volunteering memory?

“It has to be the 2014 Commonwealth Games – which was a fantastic experience. It was a great event to be part of! And you still bump into other volunteers in shopping centres and out and about! It really encouraged me to take part in more event.

Why do you still volunteer?

“I like being involved, helping people. Just doing my bit to encourage more people to get and stay involved. It’s satisfying to see the difference I, and the rest of the team, have made.

How have Glasgow Life supported your volunteering journey?

“The support I’ve received from Glasgow Life has been massive in making my volunteering a positive experience. I have enjoyed so many great opportunities. I was nominated by Glasgow Life for the role as Torchbearer for the 2012 Paralympics, which I’ll always remember.

I haven’t looked back since I started. I’ve loved my time volunteering at the events Glasgow has been so fortunate to host. In my own community volunteering, I love passing on my experience to others!”

Basketball has been John Campbell's life for 64 years.

And for most of that time, he has volunteered with Hillhead Secondary School and Glasgow Rens. He has made a major impact on basketball and those who he has met.

John is currently the club secretary for Glasgow Rens and has been volunteering at the club for over 15 years. The club has seen massive growth and development in this time and that is in large part thanks to John.

He’s built a strong club at Ren’s that welcomes players of all abilities and 23 nationalities.

He has been a leading figure in Basketball through his role as the Chair of the Basketball Development Group. His unwavering commitment to schools’ basketball and supporting opportunities for girls to play the sport.

John has coached multiple school teams, supported club teams to national titles and coached players to national team level.

Johns natural warm personality leads to the great relationships with all parents, coaches and players at the club. He is always looking to go above and beyond for anyone who needs his assistance. Off court, John’s commitment to his players is evident in his kindness, compassion, and removal of any barriers to participation

After 64 years of dedicating his life to basketball John is reduce his volunteer input to the club.

Glasgow Life - Sport would like to recognise John and note our appreciation for his dedication to basketball, sport and Glasgow.

Gillian is the secretary of the Glasgow + North Strathclyde badminton Group having volunteered within the group for 16 years.

Gillian has been the driving force behind the Junior League providing a fun, friendly and safe environment to develop players into clubs.

After 16 years, Gillian has decided to step down as the Junior league co-ordinator. She handled all event planning and coordination to create a great experience for players, volunteers, and families.

Gillian led on 10 events from September until May providing an opportunity for 611 junior players from 20 clubs across the city. Gillian has faced many challenges this season due to reduced facility access and increased demand. But with Gillians commitment to accommodating all entries to avoid disappointment was commendable. She gave extra volunteer hours to ensure players had the best experience.

Gillian is immensely proud of how far she has taken the league. When she took over there was only five events a year with approximately 30 players per event.

There are now ten events, and the numbers are now getting towards pre-Covid levels of 100.

Glasgow Life - Sport would like to take this opportunity to thank Gillian for her commitment to badminton and sport within the city.

The people who coach and volunteer at our club are essential, without them there would be no club. Glasgow Life Sport has always supported our coaches and volunteers into coaching courses. They help to provide funding for courses and signpost us to any training that may help us.”

Antonia Quayle, a boxing coach within Southside Boxing Academy, attended a Boxing Scotland Level 1 course after receiving support from the Coach and Official Award.

“I feel much more confident since being on the course. I have learned a lot about boxing coaching, and I am using this at the club. There are not many female boxing coaches. It’s great I can now coach and help the young people and can help the girl boxers.”

Antonia is a fantastic role model within the club to all of the young boxers, and in particular to those girls that attend. Coaches like Antonia are worth their weight in gold. Access to funding support for training can make all the difference in keeping them at the club. Since 2020, the Coach and Officials Award has supported 6 coaches from Southside Boxing Academy through coach education. It has helped create strong foundations and the right environment for those participating at the club.

“Glasgow Life Sport is a great help to our club and our coaches. It helps us to encourage volunteers to get on courses, without this help fewer people would do this training. People who volunteer give so much and it’s a lot to ask them for money for training. You can see the difference in the coaches after these courses, they are more confident. As the lead coach it makes my life so much easier. We have more qualified people who can give better coaching to our boxers”.